Taco Bueno Refried Beans Recipe
Try this Taco Bueno Refried Beans Recipe made with pinto beans, lard, garlic, and cumin for that creamy, restaurant-style flavor at home.
Equipment
- A large pot or Dutch oven
- A skillet for frying
- A stirring spoon or silicone spatula.
- A potato smasher or an immersion blender (whichever you prefer for your beans to be smooth).
- A measuring cup and measuring spoons.
- Optional: slow cooker or pressure cooker in case you would like to cook your beans manually.
Ingredients
If using dried beans:
- 2 cups dried pinto beans
- 6 cups water
- 1 small onion chopped
- 2 garlic cloves smashed
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the refried part:
- 3 Tbsp. lard or replace with bacon fat, butter, or olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt or to taste
- 1/4 cup bean cooking liquid or warm water, as needed
- Garnish optional: shredded cheddar cheese or Monterey Jack.
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Beans (when using dried ones)
- Wash your pinto beans and ensure that there is no debris. Put them in a big pot along with water, onion, garlic, and salt. Boil, and then turn to a simmer, and cook approximately 1 1/2 to 2 hours or until tender.
- When you are cooking them in a pressure cooker, it should take approximately 25 minutes using the same ingredients.
- When you are using canned beans, you do not need this step, simply drain and rinse them, and then mash.
Step 2: Heat the Fat
- Melt your lard (or butter/oil) in a skillet on medium heat. This is an important step - it is the fat that contributes to the flavor of the beans and makes them taste like Taco Bueno.
- Once it begins shimmering, add your seasonings: cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Let them bloom for 30 seconds. At this stage, your kitchen must be heavenly smelling.
Step 3: Mash the Beans
- Put your cooked beans (some of their liquid, too) in the skillet. Begin mashing with a potato masher or an immersion blender until you have reached your desired level of consistency.
- I prefer it with a little bit of texture, but when you want it really smooth, such as the beans in Taco Bueno, mix it all the way till it becomes smooth.
Step 4: Adjust and Taste
- Continue stirring on medium-low heat for approximately 10 minutes with occasional splashes of bean liquid. The beans will become thick during cooking.
- Add the salt and seasonings and taste. Add a small knob of butter or a sprinkle of cheese right before serving, should you feel them to be lacking in fat.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Warm and serve with a sprinkling of melted cheese or fresh cilantro. These beans are amazing when used as a side, a filling in a burrito or even when used as a dip using tortilla chips.
- Believe me, you will not be able to use canned refried beans again after trying this Taco Bueno Refried Beans Recipe.